Patents by Inventor C. Thomas

C. Thomas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5088776
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a door of a safe within a frame includes a drive gear rotatably mounted on the interior surface of the door. An extension fitted with a rack gear is mechanically cooperated with the drive gear. The extension is adapted to be slidingly displaced along the interior surface of the door so as to extend outwardly from a corner of the door and be detachably engaged or abutted against the inwardly facing side of a door frame, more specifically, a corner of the door frame. The intercooperation of the extension and the frame forms a securement of the door and particularly the corner of the door within the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: C. Thomas James
  • Patent number: 5084251
    Abstract: An instrument sterilization cassette, into which instruments to be sterilized may be placed on an internal support rack structure, has a housing defined by an open-topped base portion to which a lid portion is pivotally secured. Spaced series of flow openings are formed through the top and bottom side walls of the lid and base portions and permit a vertical throughflow of sterilizing fluid through the cassette, and across the instruments supported therein, when the lid portion is closed. An external latch structure is operative to releasably hold the lid portion closed, and is secured to perforated upper and lower plates slidably supported on the inner side surfaces of the top and bottom side walls of the cassette. By pulling the latch structure outwardly from the housing, the plate members are slidably moved in the same direction and their openings are moved into registry with the top and bottom side wall flow openings to permit a throughflow of sterilizing fluid through the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Akatheputhethu C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5073999
    Abstract: A method for turning a bed ridden patient uses a low air loss patient support system that includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocess and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. C. Thomas, James R. Stolpmann, William T. Sutton, James J. Romano
  • Patent number: 5067755
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for use in a lightweight safe includes a toothed spur main drive gear mounted on a rotatable axis journaled through the safe's door. The main drive gear mechanically engages a pinion gear which in turn meshes with a vertically disposed rack gear. A second pinion gear also engages the rack gear and further engages a second drive gear. A securement locking mechanism, mounted to the interior face of the safe door proximate the main drive gear, is adapted for cooperation with the main drive gear for detachably restraining the main drive gear in a non-rotative orientation. The pinion drive gear/rack gear arrangement is adapted to transfer motion from the main drive gear around the aforesaid securement mechanism to the second drive gear. Each drive gear is mechanically associated with one or more laterally displaceable rack gears adapted to be displaced into engagement with the safe door frame to produce a locking engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: C. Thomas James
  • Patent number: 5065466
    Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling is provided for connecting inflatable sacks to a modular support member which supplies air to such sacks. The coupling includes an attachment grommet, a pull tab disposed against the exterior of the sack in the vicinity of the air entrance opening of the sack, an elongated connection fitting, an elongated coupling and a retainer ring. A poppet can be slidably disposed in a coupling cylinder of a connection fitting, and a spring can be provided and disposed to bias the poppet toward a position to seal the coupling entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. C. Thomas, James R. Stolpmann, William T. Sutton, James J. Romano
  • Patent number: 5062167
    Abstract: A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. Two adjacent chambers, one disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack and the other predominately to the opposite side of the centerline of the sack, are separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method for relieving the pressure points between a patient and the sacks initially maintained at a first pressure profile. The method includes elevating at least a portion of the patient from zero to 30 degrees above the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. C. Thomas, James R. Stolpmann, William T. Sutton, James J. Romano
  • Patent number: 5060757
    Abstract: Adjustable cross pieces or rungs for aiding in forming a ladder using a tree cut at predetermined lengths and trimmed of branches. The cross members include two end members and a centrally located channel member which receives an elongated main body portion of the end members and which can be stabilized at the top and bottom rungs for securing the trees together and forming foot rests or rungs for the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Naturaland Trust
    Inventor: C. Thomas Wyche
  • Patent number: 5052067
    Abstract: A bimodal system for pressurizing a low air loss patient support having a plurality of inflatable sacks, each sack being subdivided into at least two separate air tight chambers. The system includes a source of pressurized air such as an air blower. The system also includes at least two pressure control valves, each valve having an input communicating with the source of pressurized air. The system further includes at least one flow diverter valve having a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets. One of the pressure control valves communicates with one of the diverter valve inlets via the output of the pressure control valve. The second pressure control valve also communicates with the other of the inlets of the diverter valve via the output of the second pressure control valve. The flow diverter valve has a pair of pathways which connect between the inlets and the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. C. Thomas, James R. Stolpmann, William T. Sutton, James J. Romano
  • Patent number: 5053960
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic control system for a powershift transmission having at least one proportional actuator, such as a solenoid-operated proportional valve, is disclosed. The controller operates a plurality of on-off solenoid valves and the solenoid-operated proportional valve to provide operator-selected gear shifts in both forward and reverse directions having controlled clutch engagements achieved by modulations of clutch engagement pressure by the proportional valve. The key parameters associated with the gradual clutch engagement are all easily varied by the controller, most under program control during operation, to provide for optimized clutch engagements for smooth gearshifts. The key parameters include: fast-fill clutch delay, initial clutch engagement pressure, rate of increase of clutch engagement pressure, and the length of the reduced pressure clutch engagement interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Brekkestran, John C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5043892
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic control system for a powershift transmission having at least one proportional actuator, such as a solenoid-operated proportional valve, is disclosed. The controller operates a plurality of on-off solenoid valves and solenoid-operated proportional valve to provide operator-selected gear shifts in both forward and reverse directions having controlled clutch engagements achieved by modulation of clutch engagement pressure by the proportional valve. The key parameters associated with the gradual clutch engagement are all easily varied by the controller, most under program control during operation, to provide for optimized clutch engagements for smooth gearshifts. The key parameters include: fast-fill clutch delay, initial clutch engagement pressure, rate of increase of clutch engagement pressure, and the length of the reduced pressure clutch engagement interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Brekkestran, John C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5010564
    Abstract: A mechanism for selective translation of an object along first and second axes comprises a frame, a carriage mounted on the frame for sliding movement with respect to the frame along the first axis, a holder for said object and an intermediate mounting means coupled to the holder and the carriage for mounting the holder on the carriage for sliding movement with respect to the carriage along the second axis. A motor is provided for selectively driving a first shaft and a drive/brake assembly provides a second shaft. In a drive mode of the assembly the second shaft is allowed to be driven synchronously with the first shaft and, in a brake mode of the assembly, is held non-driven while the first shaft is being driven. First and second endless belts are coupled to the first and second shafts, respectively, for receiving selective rotational movement therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Eureka X-Ray Tube, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4993759
    Abstract: A gate latch for use with a gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to a stationary fence includes a transversely extending latch bar secured to the gate and a latch member pivotally mounted on a mounting plate secured to the fence. In a first embodiment, a safety latch attachment includes an adapter plate configured for partial overlying attachment adjacent the latch mounting plate and having a reciprocal spring biased plunger in alignment with a transverse aperture formed through a latch frame on the mounting plate. When in a latched position, the plunger prevents the pivotal latch member from being unlatched. A pulley guided cable is connected to retract the plunger to allow the gate to be unlatched. In a second embodiment, the safety latch attachment mechanism is provided as an integral unit on a common mounting plate with the pivotal latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Peter C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4985021
    Abstract: A system for protecting an individual against injury or infection from a sharp instrument such as a needle or syringe includes a sheath slidably attached to the mounting. The sheath is locked in an open position during use of the needle and syringe. After use, the sheath is rotated to unlock the protective mechanism. A spring urges the sheath over the needle, thereby enclosing the needle and protecting anyone handling the instrument from injury. The sheath is maintained in its enclosing position by a locking flange in the interior of the sheath which engages an abutting ring on the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Jeff Straw
    Inventors: Jeff Straw, C. Thomas Sylke
  • Patent number: 4983809
    Abstract: Floor tiles, such as asbestos tile flooring, attached to the floor by thermoplastic adhesive are removed by using a radiant heater (30) made of a plurality of panels to radiantly heat the top surface of a plurality of tiles. To provide uniform temperature across the width of the tiles being heated, the panels along the sides of the heater are provided with a higher power density so that they are at a higher temperature. The heated tile thermally conducts heat to the thermoplastic adhesive beneath the tile causing the adhesive to soften, thereby allowing a set of vacuum cups (66) to pull a tile off the floor by suction and carry the tile into a container (24). Tile sensor (38) senses the temperature of the tile floor while heater sensor (40) senses the temperature of the heater (30), facilitating controlled removal of tiles from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: UAS Automation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Maiette, Stephen T. Starre, Dayton C. Thomas, Craig E. Crandall
  • Patent number: 4981470
    Abstract: An intraesophageal catheter comprising a tubular body, a pH sensor extending through the interior of the tubular body for pH measurement, and a balloon inflation pressure sensor communicating with the interior of the tubular body. The tubular body is comprised of clear polyvinyl chloride material and has a radiopaque stripe extending longitudinally along the tubular body. A plurality of circumferential gradations are marked on the tubular body. The pH sensor has a head portion fastened to the end of the tubular body and a conductor connected to and extending from the head portion to the other end of the tubular body. The head portion is comprised of a polycarbonate material having a smooth surface. The balloon inflation pressure sensor is a balloon that is positioned on the tubular body part from the head portion of the pH sensor. A balloon inflation channel extends through the interior of the tubular body and communicates with the balloon molded to the exterior surface of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Synectics Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Thomas Bombeck, IV
  • Patent number: 4975538
    Abstract: This invention presents novel 2-azetidinone compounds which are useful as antibacterial agents to eradicate or control susceptible microbes of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.401 and R.sub.402 are the same or different and are (a) hydrogen, (b) (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12) alkyl (c) (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) alkenyl, (d) (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) alkynyl, (e) (C.sub.3 -C.sub.10) cycloalkyl, (f) phenyl optionally substituted with from one to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, amino, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl, and (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkoxy, (g) benzyl optionally substituted with from one to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, amino, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl, and (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkoxy, (h) --CH.sub.2 --O--CO--CH.sub.2 --NHR.sub.420, (i) --CH.sub.2 --O--CO.sub.2 --R.sub.430, (j) --CH.sub.2 F, or (k) --CHF.sub.2 ; wherein R.sub.420 is (a) hydrogen, (b) --COH, or (c) --CO--O--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 ; wherein R.sub.430 is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8) alkyl, --(CH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Upjohn Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Barbachyn, Steven J. Brickner, Richard C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4968253
    Abstract: A nail polish display stand is formed from a cylindrical housing having an open top end and a hollow interior defined by an interior side wall and an interior floor. A plurality of steps are formed in the interior side wall and form perpendicularly intersecting horizontal annular and vertical cylindrical surfaces. The steps increase in diameter from the interior floor to the open top end of the housing. A plurality of various different shades of nail polish color samples are displayed on the horizontal and/or vertical surfaces of the steps. The color samples may be individually provided on artificial nails secured on the steps. The nails may be mounted on a plurality of spaced arcuate mounting surfaces or may alternatively be secured within a plurality of pairs of spaced slots on the steps. The display stand allows an extremely large number of different color shades to be displayed in a small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Peter C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4967385
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic control system for a powershift transmission having at least one proportional actuator, such as a solenoid-operated proportional valve, is disclosed. The controller operates a plurality of on-off solenoid valves and the solenoid-operated proportional valve to provide operator-selected gear shifts in both forward and reverse directions having controlled clutch engagements achieved by modulation of clutch engagement pressure by the proportional valve. The key parameters associated with the gradual clutch engagement are all easily varied by the controller, most under program control during operation, to provide for optimized clutch engagements for smooth gearshifts. The key parameters include: fast-fill clutch delay, initial clutch engagement pressure, rate of increase of clutch engagement pressure, and the length of the reduced pressure clutch engagement interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: J.I. Case Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Brekkestran, John C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4952811
    Abstract: A tunable infrared detector employing a vanishing band gap semimetal material which is provided with an induced band gap by a magnetic field to allow intrinsic semiconductor type infrared detection capabilities. The semimetal material may thus operate as a semiconductor type detector with a wavelength sensitivity corresponding to the induced band gap in a preferred embodiment of a diode structure. Preferred semimetal materials include Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te, x<0.15, HgCdSe, BiSb, .alpha.-Sn, HgMgTe, HgMnTe, HgZnTe, HgMnSe, HgMgSe, and HgZnSe. The magnetic field induces a band gap in the semimetal material proportional to the strength of the magnetic field allowing tunable detection cutoff wavelengths. For an applied magnetic field from 5 to 10 Tesla, the wavelength detection cutoff will be in the range of 20-50 microns for Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te alloys with x about 0.15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: C. Thomas Elliott
  • Patent number: D320267
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Allen C. Thomas